Device for maintaining a locked and closed state of a space-separating device in a releasable manner

Abstract

A device ( 1 ) maintains a locked and closed state of a space separating device ( 2 ) in a releasable manner, in particular a protective device of a machine ( 4 ). The device has a first part ( 6 ) with an opening and a second part ( 8 ). The parts are movable relative to one another. The opening is at least partially closable. The device ( 1 ) includes a latch ( 18 ) for locking the closed state of the space-separating device ( 2 ), a holding element ( 30 ) for keeping the latch ( 18 ) in the latched position, and a release element ( 36 ) for releasing the catch of the latch ( 18 ). The catch of the latch ( 18 ) may be lifted by a rotational movement of the release element ( 36 ) relative to the latch ( 18 ).

1. A device for releasably maintaining a locked and closed state of a space-separating device, comprising:
 a latch movable between locked and unlocked positions for releasably locking the space-separating device in a closed state; 
 a holding element releasably coupled to said latch and movable between a blocking position blocking said latch in the locked position thereof and an unblocking position allowing said latch to move from the locked position thereof to the unlocked position thereof; 
 a release element neutralizing blocking of said latch and being pivotable relative to said latch; 
 a displacement element coupled to said release element and movable between positions causing pivoting of said release element; and 
 a first knob connected to said displacement element by a coupling device to cause actuation of said release element, said coupling device having a first lever hinged to a second lever at an articulation point, said first lever being nonrotatably connected to said first knob, said second lever being connected to said displacement element at a position spaced from said articulation point. 
 
     
     
       2. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 the space-separating device is a protective device of a machine having a first part with an opening and a second part being movable relative to said first part for opening and at least partially closing said opening with said protective device. 
 
     
     
       3. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 said release element comprises a dual-arm lever pivotable about an axis. 
 
     
     
       4. A device according to  claim 3  wherein
 said dual-arm lever comprises a first arm neutralizing blocking of said latch during rotation of said dual-arm lever and a second arm receiving force causing pivoting of said dual-arm lever. 
 
     
     
       5. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 a motion coupling between said displacement element and said release element only allows movement of said displacement element in a direction neutralizing blocking of said latch. 
 
     
     
       6. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 said coupling device converts rotary motion of said first knob into linear motion of said displacement element. 
 
     
     
       7. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 a second knob is coupled to said latch to move said latch into the locked position, said first and second knobs being rotatable about axes offset relative to one another. 
 
     
     
       8. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 following pivoting of said holding element to the unblocking position, said release element and said latch are movable to the unlocked position. 
 
     
     
       9. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 said latch and said holding element positively engage one another in the blocking position. 
 
     
     
       10. A device according to  claim 9  wherein
 said latch has a recess with a catch flank, said holding element extending into said recess and engaging said catch flank in the blocking position. 
 
     
     
       11. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 a first sensor signals positioning of said latch in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       12. A device according to  claim 11  wherein
 said first sensor comprises a safety switch wirelessly transmitting signals. 
 
     
     
       13. A device according to  claim 11  wherein
 said first sensor comprises a read head and an actuator interacting with said read head, signal transmission between said read head and said actuator only occurring when said latch is in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       14. A device according to  claim 13  wherein
 said actuator is a transponder. 
 
     
     
       15. A device according to  claim 1  wherein
 a second sensor generates a signal when said holding element is in the blocking position. 
 
     
     
       16. A protection device for releasably maintaining a locked and closed state of a protected area, comprising:
 a part movable between open and closed positions; 
 a latch movable between locked and unlocked positions for releasably locking the part in a closed state; 
 a holding element releasably coupled to said latch and movable between a blocking position blocking said latch in the locked position thereof and an unblocking position allowing said latch to move from the locked position thereof to the unlocked position thereof; 
 a release element neutralizing blocking of said latch and being pivotable relative to said latch; 
 a displacement element coupled to said release element and movable between positions causing pivoting of said release element; and 
 a first knob connected to said displacement element by a coupling device to cause actuation of said release element, said coupling device having a first lever hinged to a second lever at an articulation point, said first lever being nonrotatably connected to said first knob, said second lever being connected to said displacement element at a position spaced from said articulation point. 
 
     
     
       17. A protection device according to  claim 16  wherein
 said release element comprises a dual-arm lever pivotable about an axis. 
 
     
     
       18. A protection device according to  claim 17  wherein
 said dual-arm lever comprises a first arm neutralizing blocking of said latch during rotation of said dual-arm lever and a second arm receiving force causing pivoting of said dual-arm lever. 
 
     
     
       19. A protection device according to  claim 16  wherein
 a second knob is coupled to said latch to move said latch into the locked position, said first and second knobs being rotatable about axes offset relative to one another. 
 
     
     
       20. A protection device according to  claim 16  wherein
 said latch has a recess with a catch flank, said holding element extending into said recess and engaging said catch flank in the blocking position.